Panga boat with passengers spotted off SLO County coast

June 7, 2016

Panga seized in 2014

A San Luis Obispo County resident spotted what appeared to be a panga boat loaded with passengers off the coast between Cayucos and Harmony. The witness did not report the sighting until several days later, and authorities failed to locate the boat.

The witness saw the suspected panga boat at approximately 4 p.m. on May 24, according to the SLO County Sheriff’s Office. About 15 to 20 people were in the boat, the witness said.

Investigators believe the boat was transporting illegal immigrants from Mexico who were to be dropped off somewhere along the coast. It is unclear if any of the passengers were located.

Officials request that anyone who sees something suspicious report it immediately by calling 911 or the sheriff’s dispatch at (805) 781-4550.